Description
Like visualization, meditation, and stretching, massage is a tool that
helps athletes find their winning edge. Sports massage optimizes the
body's performance in a particular sport and reduce the risk of injury.
Pre-event massage focuses on oxygenation of the body and Post-event massage
focuses on relief management.
This massage is customized for each client, and the particular sport they
participate in, and whether it's a pre or post event massage.
Key Benefits
- Improves Muscle Efficiency
- Prevents Injuries
- Speeds Healing
- Promotes Muscle Recovery
Treatment Data
Team / Group Event Options
Our therapists are available on an event basis to support and treat team
members. Please call about our availability and pricing.
Please read this additional information...
Massage Therapy - What Is It?
Author: Kathy Dion
A well-trained massage practitioner employs his or her hands as finely
tuned yet powerful tools to promote wellness. As awareness grows and
misconceptions fade regarding the value of massage therapy, more and more
people are discovering the profound benefits available to them through
regular body Work. The origins of therapeutic massage are rooted in the
common instinctual response to hold and rub a hurt or pain. It is found in
all cultures as an integral part of Healthcare and maintenance.
In the US, massage therapy is a holistic, drug-free healing art that
recognizes and incorporates the scientific approach to healing of the West
with the energy-based, intuitive, artistic approach of the East.
Essentially, massage therapy is the biomechanical manipulation of
soft-tissue for the purpose of restoring or maintaining balance within and
among the various systems of the mind/body complex while the body is at rest
and the mind is letting go.
According to the American Medical Association, more than half of all
visits to physicians are for stress-related complaints. Some of the benefits
of massage include:
- Providing treatments for relaxation or deeper therapy for specific
physical problems,
- Relieving stress and anxiety,
- Increasing blood supply to the tissue,
- Increasing the function of the immune system by reducing stress and
increasing circulation,
- Reducing minor illnesses,
- Improving energy,
- Aiding in recovery from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments,
- Relieving certain repetitive motion injuries (such as carpal tunnel
syndrome) related to on-the-job activities,
- Compensating, at least in part, for lack of exercise and muscular
contraction due to age, injury, or illness.
Swedish Massage. Swedish Massage was originally developed in the
late 18th century by a Swedish fencing master as the first systematic
application of therapeutic massage in the West. It was based on European
folk massage, oriental techniques from the Middle East, and the then
emerging knowledge of modem anatomy and physiology.
One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed the venous return
of unoxygenated and toxic blood from the extremities: Swedish Massage
shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of
lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation
without increasing heart load, and it stretches the ligaments and tendons
keeping them supple and young.
Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes
the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical,
and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has
many specific clinical uses in medical or remedial therapy.
Sports Massage. Jack Meager, the official masseur for the US
Olympic Equestrian Team, developed sports massage, a sensible blend of
traditional Swedish Massage and Shiatsu. Basic to the system is the fact
that there are 12 principle body postures that form the axis of all athletic
movement. Each sport demands that the player attains specific postures;
hence, each sport tends to strain the muscles at certain predictable points.
Sports massage can help heal strained muscles and allow Healthy ones to
reach peak action and to maintain it, with less risk of injury.
Medical Massage. Although massage is not thought of in conjunction
with Western medicine, Europeans have employed this time tested practice for
centuries. Medical massage can be used to prevent muscular atrophy in cases
of broken bones, to reduce inflammation in strains and sprains, to reduce
inflammation of sciatica and lumbago, to increase circulation of varicose
ulcers, to stimulate normal bowel movements, and more.
Although massage may create positive changes in many ailments, there are
indications for not giving massage. The trained therapist is well informed
as to contraindications. The therapist may evaluate a patient's range of
motion and make recommendations for simple exercises to maintain or improve
Health.
Myo-Fascial Release. Myo-Fascial Release is a mild form of
stretching that has a profound effect on the body. It is a highly
interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the client's
body to determine the direction, force, and duration of the stretch and to
facilitate maximum relation of the tense tissue. The fascia can be regarded
as a continuous laminated sheet of connective tissue that extends without
interruption from the top of the head to the tip of the toes.
Deep Tissue Massage. A Deep Tissue Massage requires work to
realign ligaments and fascia. Integrated with the basic Swedish Massage and
trigger points, the Deep Tissue Massage can effectively manipulate
problematic areas. Some people may be sore for up to 48 hours after a Deep
Tissue Massage.
Massage therapy is neither a fad nor a luxury for those with money.
Massage can be a healing and relaxing experience.
Kathy Dion is a member of the Springfield Hospital
Alternative Therapy Center, Springfield, VT. The Center offers massage
therapy, acupuncture, and a hypnotherapy Services are available in
Springfield, Bellows Falls, and Ludlow, VT.
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